The Apostles Peter and Paul are considered the most significant among the apostles because of their profound contributions to the development of Christ’s Church. Their figures can be viewed as opposites in many ways. Peter, the simple fisherman who loved Christ fervently, was tested by his threefold denial due to his impulsive nature. On the other hand, Paul, a scribe and Pharisee, initially hated Jesus but later converted, bringing many Jews and Gentiles to faith and laying the foundation for Christian theology.

As is well known, there was a conflict between the two apostles. According to Saint Paul’s letter to the Galatians (2:11-16), in Antioch, Peter initially ate with the Gentile Christians (former pagans), which was forbidden by Jewish Law. However, when some Jewish Christians arrived, who strictly observed the Law, Peter began to avoid the Gentiles and even urged them to be circumcised and adhere to the Old Testament Law alongside the Gospel of Christ. This hypocrisy angered Paul, who publicly confronted Peter about it. Ultimately, it was agreed that faith in Christ was paramount, and both Jews and Gentiles were equal in this faith. This moment marked a turning point for Christianity, allowing it to grow beyond just a Jewish sect and become a faith for all nations. Had this issue not been resolved, Christianity might have split into “Jewish” and “Gentile” branches at its earliest stage.

It is also essential to mention the writings of the two apostles. In his epistles, Paul organized and clarified many Christian doctrines, making Christianity more understandable for the masses. Saint Peter is believed to have authored the Gospel of Mark, dictating his memories of Christ to Mark, with whom he lived. Peter and Paul were martyred on the same day, July 12, in Rome under Emperor Nero’s orders. Peter, according to his own wish, was crucified upside down, not like Christ. Paul, being a Roman citizen, avoided the prolonged agony of crucifixion and was beheaded by a sword.

Iconography

The icon of “The Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul” is quite widespread in Ukrainian iconography. It was often a temple icon in the iconostasis or a lower icon beneath the image of Christ. On the right, under the image of the Theotokos, there was often a similar composition depicting the founders of the Kievan Monastery, Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. Occasionally, combined icons can also be found in the series of prayers.

Traditionally, on the icon “The Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul,” the saints are depicted full-length with their attributes: Peter is shown in a yellow himation and blue chiton, holding keys; Paul is depicted in a red himation and blue chiton, holding a sword, symbolizing his martyrdom. Between the apostles, the Church is often depicted, symbolizing the Body of Christ. Above them, in a cloud or mandorla, the figure of Emmanuel (Christ) is shown blessing both and giving each a crown of thorns as a symbol of their martyrdom.

This iconography reflects their dual roles as foundational figures of Christianity: Peter, as the first among the apostles and the rock on which Christ built His Church, and Paul, as the apostle to the Gentiles and the primary theologian of the early Church.

Mykhailo Skop

Icons of Saints Peter and Paul